He was convicted in a media-circus atmosphere (first televised high profile trial in Virginia).

Later, it emerged that the DNA on the knife did not belong to her - which is not, of course, proof of innocence.

Later, it emerged that the DNA at the crime scene did not belong to him - which is not, of course, proof of innocence.

Differences:

Jens Soering also has a new witness, Tony Buchanan, who saw Elizabeth with a bloody knife and in the presence of a man other than Soering.

The Italian legal system allows appellate courts to consider new evidence.
Thanks to the notorious "twenty-one day rule", the Virginia legal system forbids the introduction of any new evidence if discovered twenty-one days after sentencing. No court has ever considered the new sock print evidence, the new DNA-test or the new witness testimony.

Some courageous Italian politicians supported Amanda Knox and even represented her as lawyers on appeal.
In Virginia, in 2010, the General Assembly passed a resolution by 92 to 0, asking the Governor to ensure that Jens Soering never be freed.